What is your favorite Scotch Whisky

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by eldondo

If you wanna destroy the flavors by using ice.... do so. But if you wanna enjoy the real flavor of a Scotch you may use some drops of water, but never ice.

So what if a person doesn't enjoy the taste of scotch straight up and enjoys the more mellow taste of it on ice? Are you saying they are wrong for drinking what they like? They should be forced to endure something they don't like just because you have a view that is different than theirs?

If that is the case, then I would hate parties at your place, last thing I need is someone yelling at me for drinking my beer in a glass with 2 olives rather than out of the bottle.

Let´s say.... it was an advice... but instead of ice you should try to reduce the alcohol by adding some water... that won´t cool it down and influence the flavor...

Originally Posted by eldondo

Robert, have you ever tried Glenfarclas? The 25 yo. is a really good deal. I don´t know the prices in the US, but here it´s about EUR 80 per bottle, which is a good deal for a 25 yo.

BTW... I just enjoyed a very good Glenrothes 1973...

We have (and I've tried) the Glenfarclas, but not the 25! That sounds awesome...I've been impressed with the Glenfarclas as a very good and inexpensive everydaydrinker

[mmblz]

Originally Posted by dwoodward

I am drinking each straight up (neat) with no ice. I figured that was the best way to compare. Highly recommend to try the 15 year if you like the 12 year Glenlivet.

15 is actually my least favorite Glenlivet.
Starting with favorites:
18, Nadurra, 21, 12, 15
Haven't tried XXV...

[dwoodward]

Originally Posted by mmblz

15 is actually my least favorite Glenlivet.
Starting with favorites:
18, Nadurra, 21, 12, 15
Haven't tried XXV...

Well, that leaves more 15 for me!

Question for you, is the 18 worth the extra penny or even the 21? Or will the 12 and 15 serve just fine most of the time? I would like to try these, but every bar in town only has the 12 or 10 year versions of various scotches, makes it tough to sample without dropping the cash for a whole bottle.

[mmblz]

I love the 18 and Nadurra, both are definitely worth it IMO.
21 is a treat once in a while but it is almost too subtle. I probably won't buy it again.

[TripleF]

Grants

[dwoodward]

What exactly does putting a splash of water in a scotch do to it? Since I have been drinking scotch (and very much enjoying it) without ice for the last week or so, I have today put a splash of water in it. (no water dropper, so I couldn't get exactly a few drops, don't think it matters)

The scotch still has the flavor, but noticeably less burn when it gets to my stomach. I am still undecided if it tastes better.

Just wondering why this is "suggested" or done in the scotch community.

[mithrilG60]

It's done more to improve/change the nosing experience of the whisky than it it to effect the taste. Basically adding water releases more aromatics from the whisky by slightly diluting it and that dilution also reduces the deadening effect that alcohol has on your sense of smell which allows you to discern more. The higher the alcohol content of the whisky the more pronounced this effect is. However with high ABV cask strength whiskies it can also be very helpful in reducing how much the alcohol deadens your taste buds. In that scenario it obviously impacts both taste and nose.

With many cask strength whisky you want to add a surprising amount of water, for example with Aberlour A'bunadh which is ~60% ABV you'll want to add water at 2:1 whisky to water ratio to reduce it down to 40%. The difference in that case is very dramatic. With many you won't necessarily see a huge difference. Typically I'll add water to a new whisky the first couple times I try it and then if there no real difference I won't bother after that.

Some Whiskys open some new tastes with a splash of water, some with a few drops and some get worse if you add water... you have to try it, there´s no general rule.

Tasting experts (e.g. at the distillery) put more and more water in it while trying until it´s reduced to app. 20 % of alcohol.

Whiskys coming outta Sherry casks are (in most cases) a bit more critical if you add water, it´s better to be cautious. If they´d only been in a Bourbon cask it´s less critical... but there are also exceptions on both sides... as always...

[GreekGodX]

Anyone ever try James Buchanan 18 yo scotch?

[jmsremax]

Hey fellas,

I have been enjoying Highland Park 12 and Glenlivet 12 this winter but i was wondering if you have a bottle(s) that is your summer scotch. Glenlivet is rather fruity so it could work, but i doubt i will touch the Highland Park. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

[Frodo]

Originally Posted by jmsremax

Hey fellas,

I have been enjoying Highland Park 12 and Glenlivet 12 this winter but i was wondering if you have a bottle(s) that is your summer scotch. Glenlivet is rather fruity so it could work, but i doubt i will touch the Highland Park. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated

Well, I generally switch to beer or tequila, but scotches I'd recommend for being lighter and easier in the summer would be Auchantoshan, Glengoyne and Bunnahabhain. The latter would be my preferance depending on the bottling of course.

[MurphysLaw]

The Macallan Fine Oak 25 is a favorite of mine, but I've been drinking Glenfiddich 15 a little more often lately

[Matt-N-Ga]

I'm loving the Red Breast 12. an amazing Pure Pot Still irish whiskey, and very highly recommended.

Single Malts, I'm gonna admit to not trying anything over 18yrs, but for me today, the Balvanie Doublewood is still my favorite.

[jmsremax]

Originally Posted by Matt-N-Ga

I'm loving the Red Breast 12. an amazing Pure Pot Still irish whiskey, and very highly recommended.

Single Malts, I'm gonna admit to not trying anything over 18yrs, but for me today, the Balvanie Doublewood is still my favorite.

Ahh, Balvenie is the reason I switched from whiskey to scotch......great stuff.

[warren G.]

Originally Posted by mmblz

I love the 18 and Nadurra, both are definitely worth it IMO.
21 is a treat once in a while but it is almost too subtle. I probably won't buy it again.

While the 21 isn't a bad scotch at all, I just can't see myself paying the extra $$$ for it, when I can get a bottle of Highland Park 18. The Nadurra is definitely one of their more interesting offering.

Originally Posted by mithrilG60

It's done more to improve/change the nosing experience of the whisky than it it to effect the taste. Basically adding water releases more aromatics from the whisky by slightly diluting it and that dilution also reduces the deadening effect that alcohol has on your sense of smell which allows you to discern more. The higher the alcohol content of the whisky the more pronounced this effect is. However with high ABV cask strength whiskies it can also be very helpful in reducing how much the alcohol deadens your taste buds. In that scenario it obviously impacts both taste and nose.

With many cask strength whisky you want to add a surprising amount of water, for example with Aberlour A'bunadh which is ~60% ABV you'll want to add water at 2:1 whisky to water ratio to reduce it down to 40%. The difference in that case is very dramatic. With many you won't necessarily see a huge difference. Typically I'll add water to a new whisky the first couple times I try it and then if there no real difference I won't bother after that.

I wondered why I always put water in my scotch! I know that it taste better more aromatic, than just straight. Thanks for sharing!

[N2 GOLD]

Originally Posted by GreekGodX

Anyone ever try James Buchanan 18 yo scotch?

Yes, real nice & smooth... I keep on hand all the time...

[ambientboy]

I was out last night celebrating a now-official divorce with a little Macallan 18yr. One of my faves.